A £193million bid for government funding that could see over 7,000 new homes built on the edge of Cambridge has taken a step forward.

Government announced yesterday (Wednesday 21) that a bid for Housing Infrastructure Funding (HIF) by Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, which the CPCA backed in October last year, has been shortlisted to move forward to co-development stage.

It means government officials will work with the CPCA to further develop the plans to build homes on the sewage works between Cambridge North station and the A14.

A final decision on the funding is expected in autumn 2018.

The funding would primarily be used to relocate the Anglian Water Cambridge Water Recycling Centre.

The site is “the last large-scale brownfield regeneration opportunity on the edge of Cambridge”, being called Cambridge Northern Fringe East (CNFE).

The bid was submitted by the Combined Authority, working with Cambridge City Council, Anglian Water and other key partners, with support from our local MPs, last year.

The CPCA says the site has the potential to unlock the delivery of up to 7,600 new homes and over 7,000 new jobs in North East Cambridge, “supported by amenities and community facilities in a vibrant mixed-use development”.

James Palmer, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, said: “Cambridge Northern Fringe East is an incredibly important development site for our local area. As the final major brownfield regeneration site on the edge of Cambridge, it holds the potential to deliver thousands of much-needed new homes and new jobs for the local area. Which is why we are delighted to hear that our bid has progressed to the next stage of co-development with Government.

“Being located close to Cambridge North railway station, the site already has fantastic public transport links, and would be an outstanding example of the combined authority’s ability to secure funds to unlock previously stalled sites in our area.

“Of course, we are taking nothing for granted, and will be working hard with our partners and Government to ensure that our bid is a success to ensure we can turn these plans into a reality.”

Councillor Lewis Herbert, leader of Cambridge City Council, added: “It is great news to have government support for Cambridge and the combined authority to develop in full detail our plans to create an outstanding new community of up to 7,600 homes and extra jobs in North East Cambridge, and to ensure it integrates well with residents and employment in adjacent areas and connects and supports growth across the county.

“The city council recently agreed an extra £799,000 for project development over the next two years, including consultation on a new Area Action Plan and detailed strategy with

residents and key organisations. This latest decision enables us to accelerate that work to give us the best possible chance of securing the £193m in national funding which is vital for delivery.”